JCPS approves Presbyterian Community Center purchase

A new JCPS hybrid school bus.
Dec. 05, 2011(Photo: John Rott/The Courier-Journal)

The JCPS Board of Education voted unanimously Monday night to authorize the $1.5 million purchase of the now-closed Presbyterian Community Center in the Smoketown neighborhood. .

The center at 701 Hancock St., which had served the community for 115 years, will be repurposed to house an early childcare wing and provide spaces for group meetings starting during the 2015-2016 school year. A new facility in that location would have cost about $6 million, according to Jefferson County Public Schools.

Diane Porter, who represents the area on the board, said the use of the center would honor its history.

"Just because we're buying the building doesn't mean that we're losing the rich history that lies within that building and that area," Porter said.

The revitalization of that area in Smoketown would benefit children, she said.

Board member Chris Brady cited the move not only as a smart purchase but also as an example of how JCPS has been investing in West Louisville.

"There's been some talk in the media, in the opinion section, about the board because we approved a school at Norton Commons that we're ignoring parts of Louisville. I can tell you that it's not true," Brady said.

Grover Potts, chairman for the Presbyterian Community Center, said the repurposing is bittersweet. The center attempted to keep the building in a last-ditch fundraising effort but was forced to sell because of debt, Potts said.

"It was a good run, I'm sorry it's over," Potts said. "We did everything we could to try to keep the facility open."

The board also voted to approve a plan that would create childcare centers at Norton Commons, Atkinson Elementary, Maupin Elementary and Stuart Middle Schools.

Reporter Michael McKay can be reached at (502) 582-4653 or on Twitter @MichaelMcKay716